Spotlight On
CREATIVE COURSES FOR ADULTS
Reignite your creative spark at a fun interactive course for adults this summer. From playwriting, to acting to musical theatre, Spotlight On courses are designed for people 18 years and over, of all levels of experience from beginner to professional. Everyone is welcome.
Led by our accomplished and welcoming teaching artists, Spotlight On offers a casual, supportive environment that inspires life-long learning and community. Courses are offered as a Summer series and a Fall/ Winter series in 6-7 week sessions, with weekly 2-hour classes.
La Jolla Playhouse is known for developing innovative new works for the stage, and Spotlight On courses are a perfect way to get a taste of the magic that goes into creating a play or musical at one of the country’s most renowned theatre companies.
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER COURSES IS NOW OPEN
Who: For adults, 18+, at all levels of experience
When: 2 hr evening class, once a week for 6 or 7 weeks. See dates below.
Venue: Residence Inn La Jolla: 8901 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Classes have min 6, max 18 participants. Sign up early to secure your spot.
CONTEMPORARY SCENE STUDY
Monday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 10 – July 22, 2024 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Justin Lang (he/him)
This performance-based acting class will explore compelling characters and scenes that are aimed at improving students’ approach to acting. Topics and areas of acting this class will cover include: in-depth text analysis, character building and development, physical and vocal control. Students will leave this course more confident about their craft and inspired to deliver compelling performances. Please dress comfortably for movement and closed toed shoes. For Ages 18+.
INTRO TO ACTING
Tuesday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 11 – July 23, 2024 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/them)
Whether you are an aspiring performer; wish to revitalize your creativity; or simply want to try something new and build self-confidence, you will find this course active, fun and rewarding. In this class, you will explore group exercises, drama techniques and improvisation. You will apply newly acquired skills in character development to monologues and scenes, and explore the use of the voice and body on stage. Please dress comfortably in clothing for movement and closed toed shoes. For Ages 18+.
MUSICAL THEATRE CABARET
Wednesday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 12 – July 24, 2024 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Wilfred Paloma (he/him)
Over the course of 7-weeks, this Musical Theatre experience combines monologue & scene work with musical theatre performance. This will culminate in a cabaret-like public performance. Each participant will choose a musical theatre song and perform a curated excerpt. These solos will be woven together with interstitial scenes, monologues and choreography. Ultimately, this course will result in a synthesis of performance that includes singing, acting and dancing. For Ages 18+.
DEVELOPING A NEW PLAY
Thursday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 13 – July 25, 2024 (6 Weeks – no class July 4)
Instructor: Gill Sotu (he/him)
What makes a great piece of theater? Or a compelling character? This class will teach you about the elements of theater, including character, setting, plot, and dialogue, as well as give you an opportunity to write to idea-generating prompts and engage in brainstorming activities. This class is geared toward beginning writers, but is useful for those that want to put their skills to work. By the end, participants will have created an outline, a scene, or even a short play. Critique sessions by both the instructor and group will aide in constructive, safe feedback. For Ages 18+.
Instructor Bios
Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/them)
Abby Leigh Huffstetler thrives within the intersections of creative expression, arts education and mental health. They recently earned their MFA in Theatre & Dance from UC San Diego. Abby holds certifications in multiple weapons within The Society of American Fight Directors. They are an actor, educator, intimacy choreographer, actor combatant and clown. UC San Diego credits: DANCE NATION, Hells Canyon, Twelfth Night, End Days, Uncle Vanya. Regional credits: Streetcar Named Desire; Miles For Mary; How to Defend Yourself (Humana Festival of New American Plays) Dracula, The Many Deaths of Nathan Stubblefield (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Free Free Free Free (Exponential Festival); Noises Off (Rome Little Theatre). Film credits: Redrum, Dirt, CBGB. Intimacy Direction credits: 900 Years (UCSD); Two Kids That Blow Shit Up (Endless Summer Productions); Staged Intimacy & Violence (Teaching Assistant, UCSD). Abby is an Actors Theatre Professional Training Company alum. They hold a BFA in Performing Arts from SCAD. There is no space for the perpetuation of white supremacy in their process and exploration.
Justin Lang (he/him)
Justin Lang is thrilled to be returning to LJP to teach Intro to Acting! Justin is a San Diego based actor, director, producer, writer, and teaching artist. He was in Critics Circle Award nominated Outstanding Dramatic Productions; Of Mice and Men as George Milton & Trouble In Mind as Eddie Fenton. He was a company member of the Critics Circle Award Winning, Poor Players Shakespeare company, and was a founding member and Production Manager of Critics Circle Award winning, New Fortune Theater Company.
Wilfred Paloma (he/him)
Wilfred Paloma is an Actors’ Equity Association member with an M.A. in Theatre Arts and a B.A. in Theatre Performance; graduate of the MCIT Acting Studio. Currently an MFA Musical Theatre Candidate at San Diego State University, class of 2024. Acting credits: Light Years Away (La Jolla Playhouse), Eighty-sixed (Diversionary Theatre), Bloodletting (SDSU), Cabaret (SDSU), O Wondrous Night (SeaWorld) and A Semicolon is a Double (Scripps Ranch Theatre). Directing credits include: Kasama (Southwestern College), Potion (Moxie Theatre), and School of Rock (Junior Theatre). Choreographer highlights: Hunchback of Notre Dame (Junior Theatre), Lion King Jr. (Young Actors’ Theatre), Shrek & Newsies (Academy of Our Lady of Peace), and Hall Pass (Blindspot Collective). Wilfred is an Adjunct Professor at Grossmont College, Southwestern College, and the University of San Diego. Wilfred directs & facilitates applied theatre projects centering LGBTQIA+ issues, racial justice, & youth advocacy. Listen to Wilfred on Spotify featured in the original cast recording of The Things We Never Say written by Thomas Hodges.
Gill Sotu (he/him)
Gill Sotu is a navy veteran, poet, playwright, musician, DJ, and performing artist. He is a two time Grand Slam Poetry Champion, two time Raw Performing artist of the year, and a five time TEDx San Diego presenter. Currently, he is a teaching artist and a commissioned playwright with The Old Globe Theatre & The La Jolla Playhouse, a guest teaching artist with the SD School of Creative and Performing Arts and New Village Arts Theatre, and the official Poet in Residence for the San Diego Writer’s Festival. 2 X Winner of Toastmaster’s “Best Speaker Award” & “Inspirational Award” Gill has been featured multiple times on KPBS, The Union Tribune, The Voice Of San Diego, Fox 5 San Diego, The Coronado Times, and The VCReporter, as well as many other news outlets.
A Spotlight On class takes a break from learning to smile for the camera
Two students perform a scene in their Intro to Improvisation class
Students perform a scene in their Spotlight On class
Read what students from our most recent Spotlight On classes had to say:
“As someone who loves musicals, taking the musical theatre dance class gave me such a greater appreciation for the performers I watch on stage. What a great experience! This is my 4th Spotlight class, and each one has been filling and interesting. I can’t wait for the next series of classes!”
“The class was fun and creative. The skills I learned help me with both work and interpersonal relationships. It has made me a better listener and collaborator. And I made great friends and got to laugh a lot.”
“Great experience. Instructor was very accommodating to all levels of knowledge in class & made all feel comfortable in exploring & trying new things.”
“This was not the first time I have taken this course at the LJP but it was a different experience with new classmates. I learned something new and really enjoyed myself. Invaluable experience of interaction and fun. Highly recommend.”
